December Writing Update
Hey story adventurers,
My new book Demon Tide: Celestial Wars is finally out on eBook. The paperback and hardcover is coming shortly. I’d love it if you would get it, read it, and review it on Amazon asap. A lot of hard work went into this story, and I can’t thank those involved enough.
I’ll be starting to dig back into book three, Demon Tide: Shadow Wars soon. Nearly half of it is written already, but there were some roadblocks early on with the plot, so I put it aside to finish Demon Tide: Celestial Wars. But January will be here soon, where I will be getting up at 5:30 every morning to read my Bible and then get back to Shadow World.
With that in mind, I’d like to make the focus of this update about Jesus, savior of the world, come to earth. So without further ado, let’s go to war.
The War For Man's Soul
Was Won By the Birth of a Child
Of all the warriors God could have sent to fight for the soul of mankind, He chose a child. Born six miles south of Jerusalem, in the small town of Bethlehem.
There was no fanfare, no crowds cheering Him into battle. In fact, many didn’t want Him here. Some even plotted His death and eventually succeeded.
But never could the enemy have anticipated the impact Jesus would have on the world. His life, His ministry, the hope He brought of salvation from sin and death—this was enough to shake the fortresses of darkness forever.
The Light that Jesus carried into the world forever changed the trajectory of mankind. Not only did humanity receive a guide on the path of righteousness, but we gained a priest who would accept the burden of our sin before a holy God. What joy we have knowing there is mercy at the seat of Christ and forgiveness we never deserved.
Getting Caught Up
It’s easy to get swept up in the world’s messages about what Christmas should be. And, as the enemy would have it, the true message is often drowned out in the “noise” (as my friend Bryan Mitchell points out) of decorations, gift-giving, and party planning. None of those things are bad, but they do leave me questioning: have we lost the holiness of the moment?
Other friends of mine, Josh and Sarah Chadd, have decided to return to the holiness Christmas once held by setting the day apart for worship and remembrance. They still plan to give gifts, but they’ve set aside a different day earlier in the week for that purpose and even named it something other than “Christmas presents.” I know not everyone can do this (myself included), but are there ways we can keep Christmas holy?
Perhaps an Advent calendar (another friend of mine, Meghan Endahl, has a wonderful one), or setting aside another day for worship, or offering to serve those who don’t have the means to celebrate. Or maybe it’s something small, like ignoring the new season of Stranger Things or putting off TikTok for a few days. Yeah, I know. Ouch. Does this hit a little too close to home? Don’t worry, friend, I’m including myself in this finger-pointing.
Getting Caught Up
We must remember that the enemy is on the hunt for the soul of mankind. Light and dark forces clash all around us, vying for control. The enemy walks among the ruins, reveling in the aftermath and the noise, in the mixed messages a post-modern, consumer-driven Christmas has to offer. He loves to see the confusion about who and what is being celebrated. Anything to draw eyes away from Jesus and the message of salvation.
As Christians, we have a part in this war. A message we can send above the noise of the season:
Jesus is holy.
He came to the earth to seek and save mankind, not to condemn it.
His birth marks the beginning of that story.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”
Reflection: Faithful Heroes
Family Question
When Jesus came as a child, He didn’t arrive with armies or weapons, yet His birth shook the kingdom of darkness.
Why do you think God chose humility as His strategy to win the greatest war ever fought?
Dive Deeper
Darkness still tries to distract us: noise, stress, sin, fear, comparison, busyness.
When the enemy presses in, what steps do you take to stay centered in the Light?
Here are a few prompts to guide reflection:
- What helps you remember who Jesus truly is during the Christmas season?
- How do you “keep watch” when spiritual darkness creeps close?
- What rhythms (Scripture, prayer, worship, silence, service) help you walk out of darkness and into the light?
Tell Your Story
I’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts
Send me a message and tell me your story.
Where have you seen the Light break through for you?
Creative Connection
Ready to enter the war? Perhaps focus more on the holiness of Christmas? Use this Family Advent Reflection to help you!
Links
- Bryan Mitchell “Noise” article
- Joshua C. Chadd Author
- Meghan Endahl’s Advent Calendar
- com (Isaiah 9:2)
